The attainment of an acceptable level of health for all Nigerians requires a decisive movement away from an almost exclusive dependence on curative, hospital-centred services toward primary health care rooted in the community. The Declaration of Alma-Ata has placed primary health care at the centre of international health policy and has challenged every nation to organize its health services around accessibility, prevention, community participation, appropriate technology and intersectoral cooperation. In Nigeria, nurses constitute one of the largest groups of health personnel and are often the health workers in closest and most continuous contact with families, particularly women and children. This paper examines the responsibilities of the Nigerian nurse in primary health care, maternal and child health, health education, disease prevention, rural health services and community participation. It argues that nursing education, administration, professional leadership and research must be strengthened if nurses are to make their full contribution to Health for All by the Year 2000. Particular attention is given to the need for community-oriented curricula, improved deployment of nursing personnel, continuing education, stronger professional recognition and closer collaboration with other members of the health team.